Impact of newer self‐monitoring technology and brief phone‐based intervention on weight loss: A randomized pilot study

Abstract

Objective Despite the proliferation of newer self‐monitoring technology (e.g., activity monitors and smartphone apps), their impact on weight loss outside of structured in‐person behavioral intervention is unknown. Methods A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted to examine efficacy of self‐monitoring technology, with and without phone‐based intervention, on 6‐month weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. Eighty participants were randomized to receive standard self‐monitoring tools (ST, n = 26), technology‐based self‐monitoring tools (TECH, n = 27), or technology‐based tools combined with phone‐based intervention (TECH + PHONE, n = 27). All participants attended one introductory weight loss session and completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Weight loss from baseline to 6 months differed significantly between groups P = 0.042; there was a trend for TECH + PHONE (−6.4 ± 1.2 kg) to lose more weight than ST (−1.3 ± 1.2 kg); weight loss in TECH (−4.1 ± 1.4 kg) was between ST and TECH + PHONE. Fewer ST (15%) achieved ≥5% weight losses compared with TECH and TECH + PHONE (44%), P = 0.039. Adherence to self‐monitoring caloric intake was higher in TECH + PHONE than TECH or ST, Ps < 0.05. Conclusions These results suggest use of newer self‐monitoring technology plus brief phone‐based intervention improves adherence and weight loss compared with traditional self‐monitoring tools. Further research should determine cost‐effectiveness of adding phone‐based intervention when providing self‐monitoring technology.